Vietnam and Chile Seek to Establish Business Council
	Chile Works on Introducing Its Culture, People to Vietnamese Citizens

According to the report of the Americas Department under VUFO, before presenting his letters of credentials in April 2023, Ambassador Sergio Narea had paid a courtesy visit to the leadership of VUFO and proposed the joint organization of a ceremony to mark the 52nd anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries (March 25, 1971 - March 25, 2023). The event was held with solemnity, featuring the attendance of former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet Jeria and the Mayor of Cerro Navia district in Santiago, the location of a statue of President Ho Chi Minh.

President of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations (VUFO) Phan Anh Son (right) presents the “For Peace and Friendship Among Nations” medal to Chilean Ambassador to Vietnam Sergio Narea Guzman. (Photo: Thanh Thao)

During his tenure in Vietnam, Ambassador Sergio Narea worked closely with VUFO to implement a variety of cultural exchange activities, helping strengthen the connection between the peoples of both countries. In celebration of 52 years of diplomatic relations, the Chilean Embassy in Vietnam presented a painting by renowned artist Alejandro Mono Gonzalez to Chu Van An Secondary School in Hanoi. Additionally, students from the school were invited to assist artist Jennifer Diaz in completing an artwork symbolizing Vietnam-Chile friendship. These activities not only helped promote Chilean culture but also contributed to educating Vietnamese youth about the long-standing relationship between the two countries.

At the local level, the Ambassador facilitated visits by former President Michelle Bachelet Jeria to Nghe An and Binh Duong in 2023. He also personally visited and held meetings in Son La province in March 2025 to explore cooperation opportunities in the field of agriculture. Furthermore, he actively promoted people-to-people diplomacy alongside official high-level diplomatic activities. In August 2024, he arranged a meeting between Chile’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and the leadership of VUFO, as well as the Vietnam-Chile Friendship and Cooperation Association. In November 2024, he further connected several partners to support a meeting between VUFO President Phan Anh Son and relevant counterparts during a high-level Vietnamese delegation's visit to Chile and Peru, an effort that helped enhance the role of people-to-people diplomacy in the state’s broader foreign affairs framework.

Speaking at the ceremony, VUFO President Phan Anh Son praised Ambassador Sergio Narea’s proactive and effective contributions over more than two years of service in Vietnam. He emphasized that the Ambassador had made a deep impression in the realm of people-to-people diplomacy and had significantly contributed to fostering bilateral friendship.

“We are pleased that the Ambassador is returning home to take on a new, important role, an opportunity to further contribute to relations between Chile and countries in the Asia-Pacific region, including Vietnam,” said President Phan Anh Son.

He extended his gratitude and best wishes for success to the Ambassador in his new position and affirmed VUFO’s commitment to continued close collaboration with Ambassador Narea’s successor in the future.

VUFO President Phan Anh Son, Ambassador Sergio Narea Guzman, leaders of the Vietnam-Chile Friendship and Cooperation Association, the Americas Department, and staff of the Chilean Embassy in Vietnam pose for a commemorative photo. (Photo: Thanh Thao)

Expressing his heartfelt gratitude upon receiving the medal, Ambassador Sergio Narea stated that it is a great honor in his diplomatic career. He affirmed his deep affection for the land and people of Vietnam and shared his wish to return to Vietnam during the upcoming Lunar New Year, with plans to settle in the country after retirement. The Ambassador expressed his strong belief that the people-to-people relations between the two countries would continue to grow, as the Chilean people have always held a consistent and special affection for Vietnam.

Reflecting on his recent working trip to Son La, the Ambassador described it as the starting point of a new phase of agricultural cooperation, with the goal of promoting two-way trade and contributing to the realization of both countries’ sustainable growth objectives.

On this occasion, the Ambassador extended his sincere thanks to the entire staff of the Chilean Embassy in Vietnam, especially the Vietnamese staff members, whom he praised as vital bridges connecting the Embassy with Vietnamese agencies, organizations, and people throughout his tenure.

Vietnam-Chile Cultural Exchange Program: Strengthening Cultural Bonds A significant cooperation agreement was signed between Vietnam and Chile on November 11th, during President Luong Cuong's official visit. The signing ceremony, witnessed by the ...

Papelucho - Chilean Children Book Reaches Vietnamese Readers On June 24 in Hanoi, Vietnam Education Publishing House coordinated with the Embassy of Chile in Vietnam to organize the Launch Ceremony of the children ...